Chapter 2: Forges of Ithyari

[Vergere 1]

"I think that's just the typical story of the New Republic." She laughed softly, regaining her earlier lighthearted composure.

[Mara 29]

"Yes, I suppose so," agreeing with her but not quite in the same lighthearted manner.

[Vergere 1]

She just grinned, but there was still something nagging at Brier, and as she stared at the stars she became lost in the past for a few moments without realizing it. Images would pass before her eyes, oddly without the memory of sound, and saw various images of her past come back to her. Being hunted, shot at, losing her family, being taken in by another, the travel.

[Mara 29]

Kaden turns back to his work on Artie, cleaning bits of things out of his treads that that had gathered there from his arrival. He thought back to his early childhood and how excited he had been to finally go on a trip that meant leaving Coruscant. His first trip on a starship. The last hours he ever had with his parents.

He sighed to himself, and Artie twittered softly at him.

Edited October 3, 2007 by Mara

[Vergere 1]

Enjoyign the quiet that the lack of conversation provided, Brier softly hummed under her breath, still watching the stars.

[Chickenman 9]

Something's wrong with me, Aeric thought. Ever since the Bemulan Nebula. The nightmares. The blacking out in the sims. It's begining to effect my combat ability. I've become a liability to this squadron.

He glanced his chrono, realizing how long the squadron had been sitting idly by, and shook himself out of his thoughts. He stood up and gathered everyone around.

"First I want to congratulate Team One on an outstanding job. Next I feel I should welcome you all to scenic Ithyari, folks. Unfortunatly, this is a working vacation, and we're going to continue that work tomorrow. As we've noted before, Ithyari is a fortress, and as such, Intel hasn't been able to obtain as much information as we'd like. In short, we know that this planet is brimming with targets. We just don't know where they are. They've been disguised as to their true purpose. Which brings us to tomorrow night's mission." They had rigged up a holoprojector, which now presented a regal looking building. "This is the Planetary House, seat of Ithyari's government. In charge of everything from Family Court to the Department of Planetary Defense. Its computers will also have data on every single building on this planet, and its use. From that data we'll be able to pick our targets of opportunity for the remainder of that operation. Tomorrow night, we're going to sneak in, grab that information, as well as anything else we can get our hands on, and get out."

He paused, catching his breath.

"Insertion won't be a problem, it is a public buidling, after all. We simply waltz in one by one or in couples, as concerned citizens looking to pay their taxes, and then take a wrong turn into a restricted area. There is an armory here," he highlighed a room. "We grab the weapons in case we need them, and continue. There's a couple specialty jobs to be done, as well. Atuarre, you're on sniper duty. If things go sour, we're going to need you to cover us, especially when exfiltrating. Jaim, you're also not going inside. Your job is to find us a vehicle capable of carrying us all. I'd prefer you to obtain the vehicle legally, but if you can't, at least don't get anyone unecessarily killed. Aston, you're on slicing duty. Szen, you're on jamming. That's about it. Any questions? No? Then try to get a good rest. We've got a big night tomorrow."

***

Moff Denra looked up as the doors hissed open, allowing his subordinate inside.

"Your report is ready, Colonel?"

"Yes sir."

"Proceed."

"As you know, earlier tonight, our relay station was attacked. Estimated casualties include two dozen or so personnel, mostly stormtroopers, as well as two Boomer wardroids destroyed beyond repair. We believe the IRO were the culprits."

"Not rebels?"

"We find it unlikely, sir."

"Anything else?"

"Nothing of importantance, sir. I'll leave the report for you to read at your leisure."

"Good. Continue your investigation, Colonel. We are going to find those nerfherders and make them pay."

Edited October 3, 2007 by Chickenman

[Mara 29]

A whole nother day before anything happens? Kaden shook his head as they all disbanded after the briefing. It wasn't quite dark enough to sleep, so he needed something to do to keep him occupied. Sitting around chatting for hours was nice, but it did get boring after a while. Kaden wanted some action.

He turned to Szen and Captain Fae as they were standing near him during the briefing. "Do you like to run?"

[Vergere 1]

She looked over at him curiously. "Yes? It's enjoyable."

[Ayingel 24]

Szen smiled at Kaden. "On occasion."

[Andy 60]

Aston sat cross-legged with his datapad, as ever; clearing out unnecessary data and modifying a few settings. In his boredom he contemplated rigging a holonet connection for some entertainment, but didn't seriously consider it.

He packed his equipment away and stood up to stretch his legs, and looked around for something to do.

[Mara 29]

"Well, I try to go for a run every day, if I am able to. Thought I might head out for some sightseeing around here before it gets dark. If you'd like to join me..?"

[Ayingel 24]

"Sure. It'd be nice to do something relaxing other than shopping while here...You sure you're gonna be able to keep up?"

[Mara 29]

Smiles. "I don't run for speed."

[Vergere 1]

"Endurance?" She motioned, "Lead the way."

[Mara 29]

"I suppose so... but mostly for fun and to keep in shape..." Kaden pointed over to Artie. "He found a path through the jungle earlier that I thought we could use."

After conferring with Artie a few moments, he led her and Szen off to the south through a gap in the trees, starting at a slow jog.

Edited October 3, 2007 by Mara

[Vergere 1]

"Then why don't you run faster, if you're trying to stay in shape?" Brier spoke easily as they ran, seeming like it was nothing more than a walk for her with as much energy as she was putting into it.

[Mara 29]

"Have to warm up first," he said as he increased his speed.

[Vergere 1]

"Ah." She fell silent as she listened around them to make sure they were not being followed or watched, never seeming to have to exert much energy to keep up with Szen and Kaden, her run more of a lope than anything.

[Mara 29]

He ran easily for a while, enjoying the peacefulness of the new surroundings, especially the air. He didn't know why, but the air just seemed fresher in among the trees than while they were standing in the clearing.

When the path went off to the right, he said, "I hope you two have your blasters with you, in case we meet any of those wild dogs you mentioned." He smiled over at the captain.

Edited October 3, 2007 by Mara

[Vergere 1]

She raised an eyebrow, and spoke with a dry voice, "Oh, I just figured I'd run faster than both of you and let you two handle it."

[Mara 29]

He laughed. "I'll just comm Artie and have him take up the X-wing and torch the whole jungle."

Edited October 3, 2007 by Mara

[Vergere 1]

She just grinned and shook her head. "No, that'd alert the Imps to our location."

[Mara 29]

"Yeah, but it'd probably be more accurate than if I had to use a blaster or hand-to-hand to fight off a wild dog."

[Vergere 1]

"Can't you shoot?"

[Mara 29]

He ran on awhile before glancing back at her. "Not very well."